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I have spent the last eleven years dedicating my life to my three children, my husband, my spiritual and physical well-being, and my photography business. I am grateful that my work has allowed me to express myself artistically by capturing moments of pure love and happiness with my camera, but it has never touched me in the way that Nia did during my first two classes with Tracy Stamper at Women’s Weekend 7.

During those two hours, I was transformed spiritually, physically, and emotionally. I felt an abundance of joy radiating throughout my entire being. I saw myself healing others through dance, music, and the transmittance of light, and I knew I had to become a teacher. I signed up for the next White Belt training five months later, having no idea what to expect, and was blown away by the depth of knowledge that Nia had to offer. I couldn’t wait to share it with others!! I had discovered a new path in life. I had finally found my purpose.

On a lunch break during the week of my White Belt training, I bumped into my friend, Dianna Lucas (co-founder of Women’s Weekend), and she asked me if I wanted to teach at the retreat this Spring. Although I was petrified, I knew I could not pass up the honor to return to the place where I had discovered Nia and to teach for the first time. For the next two and a half months, I had to balance learning a routine, running my photography business, attempting to be a good mom, and trying to take care of myself. As the weekend approached, I realized that I was just not ready to teach a class alone. There was too much I wanted to bring to class for my students, and I just didn’t want them to miss any of the beauty within Nia. Due to technical issues, my Nia class was not included on the first draft of the Women’s Weekend 8 schedule, and I took it as a sign that I could change my mind! Although I was disappointed, I decided that it would be best for me to attend the retreat as a photographer, and not as one of the teachers.

Thank goodness that isn’t what ended up happening, though! My inspirational, amazing, wonderful teacher and friend, Tracy, reached out with an offer for me to co-teach with her rather than teaching by myself or not teaching at all. I chose my three favorite songs, and Tracy strategically placed them into her awesome routine. Below are some photos of my very first time teaching a Nia class! I will never forget this honor, the exhilaration I felt dancing and teaching, and the love and open hearts that my first students brought to class. What an experience. Thank you Dianna, Tracy, Kalanit, Kendra, and all of my other supportive friends who joined me in body and spirit as I officially entered the world of Nia as a teacher.

I now know that I’ve been traveling toward this very place all my life. Everything I have experienced (“good” and “bad”) was to help me grow into a teacher and healer. I want to share my unique offerings through the holistic movement of Nia, and in doing so, I hope I can help others see their own sacred light so that they may love themselves and others more fully, and find deeper meaning in life.

6 Comments

Fabulous pictures! Captures the spirit of Nia, You. Tracy. And all of us – the students! What an amazing first class. I am so looking forward to the healing difference you WILL MAKE in this world! Keep on SHINING!!!

What a beautiful story Neshama! Congratulations on stepping into your magical movement power!!! What a blessing it is to the world to have you sharing Nia and your passion for moving, healing, dancing and being such a bright light! I am so far BEYOND proud of you. Your beauty & exhilaration is amazing in the photo’s…. YAAAAAAAAhoo!
always dancing with you in spirit… LV jamie